Winemaker Notes
Peak drinking anticipated 2014–2045.
At once, balanced and accessible; fresh and tight. A structural and textural continuum - no beginning or end, no gaps. Complete. In an attempt to define the palate profile. Flavors of dates, persimmon, roasted nuts... freshly baked pecan-pie, Portuguese custard tart. The oak is omnipresent yet neither prominent nor ostentatious -completely assimilated. The tannins are neither obstructive nor aggressive, yet effortlessly conveying flavors. Yes, maturation of 21 months in barrel and three years in bottle has molded quite the structural and tactile Grange package.
Blend: 97% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is dark and concentrated, as you might expect from Australia’s most heralded wine. Oaky scents of maple syrup and vanilla frame hints of mint and superintense dark fruit. On the palate, it’s a huge, tannic behemoth that needs 10 years of cellaring, but it delivers plenty of pleasure now in its ultraclean flavors of blackberries, baking spices and vanilla.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2007 Penfolds Grange is comprised of 97% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon coming predominately from Barossa vineyards with smaller proportions from Magill Estate and McLaren Vale. It was matured for 21 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. Very deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is intensely scented of vibrant blueberry preserve, mulberry and kirsch aromas over hints of cedar, mocha, vanilla and anise. The full bodied palate is richly fruited with pure black berry and baking spice flavors offset by crisp acidity and a firm level of velvety tannins, finishing long. This is quite an opulent, forward Grange, which is very tempting to drink now, though of course will reward at least 5-10 years of cellaring and should keep to 2030+.
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Wine Spectator
Ripe and inviting, with the richness and expansiveness to support the juicy plum, currant, blackberry, pepper and licorice flavors stylishly, lingering expressively on the focused finish. Best from 2015 through 2022.
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Wine & Spirits
From a hot vintage with litter winter rainfall to ameliorate the drought conditions, the 2007 Grange has plummy sweetness and touches of fruitcake that show the season. It's a wine that delivers its power with gentleness, with an intriguing mineral aspect to the tannins and some tartness to the cherry fruit that sustains a sense of freshness in the midst of the wild ripeness. An impressive performance and a formidable wine in a challenging year.
Since 1844, Penfolds has been grounded in experimentation, curiosity and uncompromising quality. Their success has been driven by a lineage of visionary winemakers. It began with Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold, the pioneers who dreamed big, inventing tonics, brandies, and fortified wines made from grapes and Australian sunshine. It continued with celebrated winemaking legends including Max Schubert, who pushed the development to extraordinary, bold new heights. It is this pioneering spirit and curiosity that still rings true after nearly two centuries, it is what has helped Penfolds become one of the most celebrated winemakers in the world today.
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